Safety Policy and Procedure Policy Number: 007 Authorized By: The Cianbro Companies Alan Burton Title: Watch for Fire, Smoke and Sparks Effective Date: 02/01/93 Page 1 of 5 1 Status 1.1 Update of existing policy, effective 12/06/10. 2 Purpose 2.1 The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance and requirements for all work at Cianbro sites involving potential fire or explosion. 3 Applicability 3.1 This policy applies to all subsidiary companies and departments of the Cianbro Companies. 3.2 All organizations are required to comply with the provisions of this policy and procedure. 4 Definitions 4.1 NFPA: National Fire Protection Association 5 Policy 5.1 Prior to any work, a complete evaluation of the work area must be done to identify any fire hazards that may exist. 6 Responsibilities 6.1 Corporate Safety is responsible for maintaining this document. Policy: 007 Watch for Fire, Smoke and Sparks Rev. 12/06/10 Page 1
7 Watch for Fire, Smoke and Sparks Index 7.2 Eliminating Potential Fire Hazards... 2 7.3 Personal Protection... 2 7.4 Fire Watch Requirements... 3 7.5 Fire Extinguishers... 3 7.1 Welding, torch cutting and grinding activities are frequently performed on Cianbro work sites. These and other flame and heat producing activities are referred to as hot work. Hot Work can be extremely costly as it relates to property damage but more importantly can cause serious injury to the people involved. With this in mind, hot work cannot be conducted unless all applicable provisions of this policy are followed. 7.2 Eliminating Potential Fire Hazards 7.2.1 Planning Prior to starting the work, a complete evaluation of the work site must be done by the supervisor to identify any hazards that may exist. Examples Combustible solids, liquids or dusts. Possible explosive mixtures of gases or vapors. Oxygen enriched atmospheres. Paper, cardboard, rags, etc. Flammable chemicals, gasoline, thinners, or paints: refer to the MSDS for chemicals present in the work area and include any necessary precautions. 7.2.2 Fire hazards and their solutions should be listed on an Activity Plan along with any other precautionary procedures or needs. Examples Emergency procedures; alarm system, evacuation route and telephone numbers. Owner/Client requirements (if applicable) Burning permits. Select proper extinguishing media: water, portable fire extinguishers, etc. Special monitoring equipment. Engineering controls: ventilation, welding screens, fire blankets, barricades, etc. Personal protective equipment. Fire Watch. Lock out/tag out. 7.2.3 Participation is required from all levels to ensure that the plan is developed and is set in motion. 7.2.4 Communication is vital. A well-prepared plan is worthless if it is not communicated to everyone involved. TAKE THE TIME TO... Develop a plan. Involve subordinates in the planning process. Ensure that the plan is communicated to all levels. 7.3 Personal Protection Protective clothing is a simple means to eliminate exposure to burns. 7.3.1 Welding leathers or fire resistant canvas/wool clothing is recommended when performing any type of hot work activity. Carhartt brand clothing or their equivalent is the next best choice (Make sure there are no loose or frayed threads because they will catch fire). Clothing should cover exposed skin. Avoid pockets and cuffs because they tend to catch slag and sparks. Avoid synthetic or lightweight cotton clothing because they may catch on fire and burn very easily. Burns must be reported immediately so that appropriate first aid and/or medical treatment can be provided. First aid equipment shall be available at all times. Policy: 007 Watch for Fire, Smoke and Sparks Rev. 12/06/10 Page 2
7.3.2 Double eye protection is mandatory for all hot work activities. Make sure that the lens shade used is appropriate for the job. Safety glasses are required underneath welding hoods. Tinted face shields are available and add protection for the face as well as the eye. 7.4 Fire Watch Requirements A Fire watch is required whenever welding or cutting is performed in locations where other than a minor fire might develop, or if any of the following conditions exist: Combustible materials are closer than 35 feet to the hot work. Combustibles are more than 35 feet away but are easily ignited by sparks. Wall or floor openings are within a 35-foot radius that expose combustible material in adjacent areas including concealed spaces in walls or floors. Combustible materials are present adjacent to the opposite side of metal partitions, walls, ceilings, or roofs that are likely to be ignited by conduction or radiation. Anyone assigned to a fire watch position must receive training in hazard identification and the emergency plan prior to their initial assignment and at least annually thereafter. Listed below are some general training aids and specific responsibilities. 7.4.1 The person must be informed of the specific hazards identified in the activity plan. 7.4.2 The emergency, evacuation and alarm plan must be communicated and understood. 7.4.3 The person must ensure that no hot work is started before appropriate fire permits and lockouts have been obtained (if applicable). 7.4.4 The person must be trained in the use of fire extinguishers including the hazards involved in incipient stage fire fighting, the different types of extinguishers, proper care, and inspection requirements. Refer to Section 7.5. 7.4.5 The person must inspect all fire protection equipment such as extinguishers each day before the hot work starts. If there is no firewatch person then the person doing the hot work will do this inspection. 7.4.6 The person must be present when any hot work is being performed and must remain in the work area for at least thirty minutes after hot work is completed. 7.4.7 The person may only be assigned to an area that is constantly in his/her view. 7.4.8 The person should not participate in any other work activities while acting as firewatch. 7.4.9 The person will wear the appropriate personal protective equipment and will monitor protective needs of others such as protection from slag, flash, height related work, etc. 7.4.10 The person will monitor the work area for hazards that may arise as the work progresses. 7.4.11 The individual must be physically capable to handle any emergency. 7.4.12 If there is a fire, call 911 or security try to extinguish the fire with the fire extinguisher. If the fire is not out when extinguisher empty leave the area for a secure area and let the professionals put the fire out. 7.5 Fire Extinguishers The fire watch should not be expected to enforce compliance regarding hot work safety. They shall, however, recommend changes to protect against fire starting to his/her immediate supervisor. They are to provide a focused set of eyes that will educate and monitor team members and their work areas to complete the activity without incident. 7.5.1 Obsolete Extinguishers In 1969 American manufacturers stopped making inverting-type extinguishers. They include soda-acid, foam and cartridge operated water extinguishers. DO NOT USE THESE EXTINGUISHERS!! Some of their disadvantage s are They cannot be turned off once activated. The agent is more corrosive than water. Policy: 007 Watch for Fire, Smoke and Sparks Rev. 12/06/10 Page 3
They are potentially dangerous. If the discharge hose is blocked, these extinguishers can build up pressure and explode. 7.5.2 Extinguisher Classification Class A - Appropriate for use on wood, paper and trash fires. Class B - Appropriate for use on flammable liquids, gasoline, oils, paints, garbage, etc. Class C - Appropriate for use on electrical fires. Class D Fire extinguishers for use on specific metals. Combination ABC - Appropriate for use on class A, B, and C fires. The combination extinguisher is recommended for general use in Cianbro. A combination extinguisher may not be as effective on a particular class of fire as an extinguisher specifically rated for just that class, but it will work on all three classes. 7.5.3 Extinguisher Inspection Annual maintenance Extinguishers must be subjected to maintenance by a competent person/organization every 12 months. The extinguisher's mechanical parts, extinguishing agent and expelling means must be examined and maintained. Each extinguisher shall have a tag or label attached that indicates the month and year that the inspections, maintenance and recharging were performed and will identify the person performing the service. Tags may not be required if extinguishers are numbered, logged and inspections documented as part of a formal monthly inspection program. 7.5.4 Monthly Inspection Extinguishers must be inspected monthly. The person doing the inspection must record his/her initials and the date the inspection was completed on the extinguisher. The inspection must include the following items: Located in designated place. No obstruction to access or visibility. Operating instructions on nameplate legible and facing outward. Seals and tamper indicators not broken or missing. Determine fullness by weighing or "hefting". Examine for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle. Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position. 7.5.5 Fire Extinguisher Mounting or Placing Portable fire extinguishers must be mounted and located so that they are easily identified and accessible to team members. Mount in a location where it can be not blocked by cabinets, equipment or tools. Mount fire extinguishers with brackets or make a stand painted red so that they are easily located throughout the project. A fire extinguisher of a rating of at least 10B must be provided within 50 feet of wherever 5 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids or 5 lbs of flammable gas are being used on a jobsite and anywhere hot work is being performed. Fire extinguishers being used with short duration activities do not need to be mounted. 8 Budget / Approval Process For more details on fire extinguishers refer to NFPA No.10A-1970. Hot work activities are dangerous. Do Your Part! Plan the work. Communicate the plan. Train our team members. 8.1 It is the responsibility of each jobsite to procure and provide all materials and PPE required and provide necessary training. Policy: 007 Watch for Fire, Smoke and Sparks Rev. 12/06/10 Page 4
9 Related Documents 9.1 Document available on Cianbro.net/Resources/Forms. Hot Work Permit Form SD1036 9.2 Please Note: Training manual for presenter and student is located on Cianbro.net under Resources Manuals Monthly Safety Training Calendar & Material 3.0 March & 3.1 March. Policy: 007 Watch for Fire, Smoke and Sparks Rev. 12/06/10 Page 5